The term "swarest" is an archaic form of the verb "swear," which appears in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of making a solemn promise or taking an oath, often invoking God as a witness to the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions. In the context of Scripture, swearing an oath is a serious matter, reflecting the gravity and binding nature of one's words before God and others.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the Bible, swearing an oath is often associated with covenants, promises, and declarations of truth. The act of swearing is not inherently condemned; rather, it is the misuse or frivolous use of oaths that is cautioned against. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into the biblical perspective on swearing:

1. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, swearing an oath was a common practice, often used to affirm truth or commitment. For example, in Genesis 21:23 , Abraham swears an oath to Abimelech: "Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants." This reflects the seriousness with which oaths were regarded, as they were made in the presence of God.

2. The Third Commandment: The importance of not misusing God's name in oaths is underscored in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:7 states, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This commandment highlights the sanctity of God's name and the importance of truthfulness in speech.

3. New Testament Teaching: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of swearing oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:33-37 records His teaching: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness without the need for oaths.

4. James' Exhortation: The Epistle of James reiterates Jesus' teaching on oaths. James 5:12 advises, "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment." This reinforces the call for honesty and straightforwardness in communication.

Theological Implications

The use of oaths in the Bible underscores the importance of truthfulness and the recognition of God's omnipresence and omniscience. Swearing an oath is not merely a human transaction but an acknowledgment of divine witness. The biblical caution against frivolous or deceitful oaths serves as a reminder of the weight of our words and the call to live with integrity.

In summary, while the act of swearing an oath is not inherently wrong, the Bible places a strong emphasis on the sincerity and truthfulness of one's words, urging believers to speak with honesty and integrity, reflecting the character of God in their communication.

To Whose Person the Entreaty for the Promises is to be Understood ...
... Etc. But the rest of this psalm runs thus: "Where are Thine ancient compassions,
Lord, which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 to whose person the.htm

The Psalter of Solomon.
... 22: "For the Lord sware with an oath unto me that my crown shall not fail from my
seed, all the days, for ever." In the Psalter: "Thou swarest to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the psalter of solomon.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Why, the Lord had said unto him, "Carry this people in thy bosom as a nursing father
beareth the suckling child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Psalm LXXXIX.
... are killed all the day long: and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain." [4223]
"Lord, where are Thy old loving-kindnesses which Thou swarest unto David ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm

Swarest (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swarest (4 Occurrences). Numbers 11:12 Have I
conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou ...
/s/swarest.htm - 7k

Swear (99 Occurrences)
... forth, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing-father
carrieth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/s/swear.htm - 39k

Swarm (26 Occurrences)

/s/swarm.htm - 15k

Nursing-father (2 Occurrences)
... forth, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing-father
carrieth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/n/nursing-father.htm - 7k

Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)
... old. (KJV NAS). Psalms 89:49 Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses,
which thou swarest unto David in thy truth? (KJV ASV NAS). ...
/l/lovingkindnesses.htm - 9k

Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences)
... everlasting. (DBY). Psalms 89:49 Where, Lord, are thy former loving-kindnesses,
which thou swarest unto David in thy faithfulness? (DBY WBS). ...
/l/loving-kindnesses.htm - 8k

Floweth (16 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy
people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our ...
/f/floweth.htm - 11k

Carrieth (10 Occurrences)
... forth, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing-father
carrieth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/c/carrieth.htm - 9k

Sucking (7 Occurrences)
... them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father
beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/s/sucking.htm - 8k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father
beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

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